need a laptop for $600

[bazookaman]

$600 is the upper limit of the budget so she cannot go over. She was going to get a new PC from beast buy or wallyworld but would not be opposed to a Mac. Would it just be simpler to go with the PC option and be done with it? She's just going to be writing, surfing, emailing, etc. The normal stuff.

[mattkime]

what do previous generation macbook airs go for?

[JEBB]

An iPad 2 with a BT keyboard or a refurb MBA ought to be considered.

[bazookaman]

I thought about the air. But I cannot find one under $600.

Was also thinking if I went PC, I'd go with one of MS's Signature series. So it doesn't come with all the crapware typically found on new PCs.

[cbelt3]

Got a Microcenter near you ?
http://www.microcenter.com/single_produc...id=0380215

YMMV... some of these were beat to death, people have had issues with a few of them. But...

Don't know if they will be Mountain Lion compatible, and they *might* need a new battery for $100 or so from our sponsors.

[testcase]

Toshiba refurbs are often available under $500.

[rgG]

Save $205 off Vostro 3555 15-inch business laptop with AMD Quad-Core A6 processor, Win 7 Pro, 4GB memory, 320GB hard drive for $524 only! Coupon code DGG35QH1GWHX98

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/c...?oc=bqct84&c=us&l=en&s=soho&cs=ussoho1&model_id=vostro-3555&&dgc=BF&cid=74951&lid=4246595&acd=11033434-1875821-


also: Get 25% off price and upgrades, plus a free memory upgrade and free shipping, on select customizable premium Satellite laptops. Starting at $599. (Total Savings up to $420). Valid 4/3-4/9.
http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/cust...Series_BTO&src=MADD&cm_mmc=Affiliates-_-CommissionJunction&CJPID=10824277-1875821-

Also found this:
Get up to $250 off, plus three free upgrades, on select customizable Satellite L-Series laptops. Starting at $449. (Total Savings up to $345). Valid 4/3-4/9.

http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/cust...Series_BTO&src=MADD&cm_mmc=Affiliates-_-CommissionJunction&CJPID=11015910-1875821-

[troywellbuilt]

I've bought a couple Dell refurbs from the Dell Outlet for work that everyone has been happy with. Spent a little over $400 on each. So many spec choices your head will spin, though. Here's a 15% off refurb code that expires today.

N?3S1GQCD0KXD5

[Black]

2010 11" Air should be findable for $600 used, but you don't say whether you're looking exclusively for new.
Otherwise Dell refurb store with rapidly expiring discount code is the way to go. Make sure you get a 6-cell battery or whatever the current equivalent is.

[sekker]

Isn't there a nice HP 15" with built-in intel graphics that's a perfect hackintosh? Those were under $600

Here's a link to a decent review.

http://tonymacx86.blogspot.com/2011/12/h...op-hp.html